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Tag: Kaduna

  • Speaker Abbas decries fresh killings in Kaduna, Plateau, others

    Speaker Abbas decries fresh killings in Kaduna, Plateau, others

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the series of violent attacks in Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Plateau, Kwara, and other states over the weekend, which left many citizens dead.

    In a statement on Monday, Abbas described the killings as gruesome and unfortunate, calling on security forces to take decisive action against terrorists and bandits. He warned that persistent insecurity poses grave risks to Nigeria’s socio-economic stability.

    The Speaker recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to crush terrorist and bandit activities, urging the military and intelligence agencies to intensify collaboration.

    At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured in a bandit attack on the Wake community in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State on Sunday, while Boko Haram terrorists also struck the Darajamal community in Borno State on Friday night, claiming several lives, including soldiers and civilians.

    Read Also: Reps integrating AI to improve parliamentary process, says Speaker Abbas

    Also, seven people were reportedly killed in Katsina State as bandits launched an attack on Magajin Wando village in Dandume Local Government Area on Friday night, while an attack by bandits on Shagbe community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State left two dead with eight others kidnapped.

    Gunmen, on Saturday night, invaded a mining site in Wang community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing no fewer than six miners.

    The Speaker condemned the killings, lamenting that the losses were too many. While calling for the rescue of the abductees, he charged the security forces with apprehending the perpetrators and prosecuting them.

    Speaker Abbas commiserated with the families of the victims, the affected communities, the people, and the government of the respective states.

  • Kaduna bans class-by-class graduations, unruly ‘sign-out’ culture in schools

    Kaduna bans class-by-class graduations, unruly ‘sign-out’ culture in schools

    The Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (KSSQAA) has rolled out new regulations to curb exploitative and unhealthy practices in schools across the state.

    In a public notice signed by its Director-General, Prof. Usman Abubakar Zaria, the authority outlawed graduation ceremonies at every class level, warning that such practices inflate the cost of education and burden parents. Henceforth, graduations will only be allowed for students completing JSS 3 and SS 3.

    The notice stressed that even for these, participation and payments must be voluntary, adding that where compulsory levies are proposed, schools must obtain clearance from KSSQAA four weeks ahead, with evidence of PTA approval.

    Also banned is the “sign-out” culture that often sees final-year students engage in indecent and unruly street activities at the end of examinations. Schools have been directed to provide supervised alternatives such as farewell assemblies, talent exhibitions or mentorship sessions.

    The authority also outlawed consumable textbooks with built-in worksheets, which prevent reuse and increase costs for parents. With effect from September 2026, publishers must provide separate optional workbooks while keeping the main textbooks reusable.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna leaders hit El-Rufai over ‘lies, disdain’ for indigenes

    On school fees, KSSQAA warned proprietors against unilateral increments or institutional upgrades without its written approval. Such approval, it said, will only follow PTA consent, a formal application, enrolment data and minutes of PTA meetings.

    “Any unauthorized increment will attract strict sanctions,” the statement read, adding that the measures align with Sustainable Development Goal 4 to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.

    Prof. Zaria reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to making education in Kaduna affordable and accessible, urging proprietors and administrators to ensure strict compliance.

  • CRUDAN trains Southern Kaduna communities on early warning system for farmer-herder peace

    CRUDAN trains Southern Kaduna communities on early warning system for farmer-herder peace

    The Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), with support from Tetra Tech Technologies (SPRING), has trained stakeholders in Kaura and Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State on early warning and response systems to curb recurring farmer-herder conflicts.

    The five-day capacity-building programme, which ended in Zonkwa, brought together community leaders, youths, women and herders to design practical mechanisms for anticipating and de-escalating disputes before they spiral into violence.

    CRUDAN Project Coordinator, Michael Agon, described the initiative as a timely step to equip communities with tools to manage conflicts at the grassroots. He said early response committees were set up in three communities—Kpunyei, Chenchuk and Mifi Attackar—to serve as lasting structures for dialogue, monitoring and collaboration.

    “We cannot continue to wait for conflict to escalate before acting. The early warning system gives our communities the ability to anticipate and manage disputes before they become violent,” Agon said, stressing that community ownership was key to sustaining the structures.

    Peacebuilding and Conflict Management Officer, Tulari Tine, who anchored the training, noted that while conflict was inevitable, violence was not. He said the programme armed participants with conflict mapping, analysis tools and collaborative planning tailored to local realities.

    Read Also: Southern Kaduna leaders hit El-Rufai over ‘lies, disdain’ for indigenes

    “The system is not about waiting for government to intervene; it is about empowering the people themselves to resolve issues before they escalate,” he added, urging stronger partnerships between traditional leaders, youth, women and security agents.

    Traditional rulers, including the Dakachi of Chenchuk, Filibus Jatau, and his Kpunyei counterpart, Joseph Biliyock, hailed the training for fostering dialogue between farmers and herders. 

    Youth leader, Sunday Musa, said the sessions had transformed young people from potential agents of violence to ambassadors of peace.

    Over the five days, participants worked with tools such as the “Conflict Tree” and “Peace Flower” to examine root causes and build resilience. The training culminated in joint action plans and the inauguration of inclusive early response committees with membership drawn from farmers, herders, security agencies and women groups.

  • VP Shettima attends wedding of late Buhari’s granddaughter in Kaduna

    VP Shettima attends wedding of late Buhari’s granddaughter in Kaduna

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Saturday attended the wedding fatiha of Ms Halima Junaid, the granddaughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Walid Muazu, the son of Iyan Katagum.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the wedding held at the Yahaya Road Juma’at Mosque, Ungwan Rimi, in Kaduna metropolis.

    Shettima was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali and Rep. Lawal Zannah.

    The Vice- President stood for the bride Halima Junaid, while Alhaji Shehu Mauzu stood for the groom.
    Dignitaries presence are; Abubakar Malami SAN, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, Abdulraseed Bawa,Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, and the former Director-General, State Security Service, Malam Yusuf Bichi.
    Others are: Alhaji Tahir Muhammad Tahir, former Special Adviser to the President on Religious Affairs, prominent personalities within and outside Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that immediately after the wedding fatiha, Shettima proceeded to the residence of the former Nigerian leader, Buhari and greeted the widow, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

    Shettima said he was specifically directed by President Bola Tinubu to extend his warm regards and reassure the family of his continued support.

    He also offered words of comfort and encouragement to the widow of the late President, Aisha Buhari, noting that late President Buhari will forever remain dear to both President Tinubu and himself.

    Shettima said, “I came to Kaduna to attend the wedding of Halima Junaid and after the wedding I decided to come and greet you and also to once again console you.

    Read Also: Shettima represents Tinubu at Sambo son’s wedding in Kano

    “I cannot come to Kaduna and go without coming to this house. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest and reward him with Aljannah and may Allah give you the fortitude to bear the loss. ”
    Similarly, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, paid a condolence visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman (North West), Alhaji Garba Datti Muhammad, over the demise of his son.

    He said ” When I was informed by my boss, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu that I was going to Kaduna to attend the wedding of the granddaughter of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “He (Tinubu) said it is absolutely essential that you should represent me at the wedding fatiha and most importantly, go and pay a condolence visit to the National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who lost a son..

    “On behalf of President Bola  Tinubu, I want to convey our deep sympathy and condolences to our boss, our party leader, and to the governor of Kaduna state,” Shettima said.

    (NAN)

  • ADC denies claims of SDP merger in Kaduna, slams El-Rufai

    ADC denies claims of SDP merger in Kaduna, slams El-Rufai

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State has refuted reports that the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has collapsed into its fold under the influence of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Bashir Saidu, and Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani.

    In a statement signed by its state publicity secretary, Musa Idris, the ADC described the report as “false, baseless, and unknown to the leadership of our party in Kaduna State.”

    The clarification came after a statement by one Mr. Darius Kurah, who identified himself as “Publicity Secretary of the Coalition.” 

    ADC, however, disowned him, stressing that Kurah is neither a member nor an official of the party, describing his claims as “political impersonation.”

    Idris emphasised that he remains the only recognised publicity secretary of ADC in Kaduna State and clarified that the State Chairman, Elder Patrick D. Ambut, was misrepresented. 

    According to him, Ambut only attended a post-bye-election review meeting and never authorised any statement indicating a merger with the SDP.

    “For the record, ADC did not convene any meeting to absorb SDP members. ADC did not receive or collapse SDP structures into its fold. ADC did not authorise any pronouncement suggesting otherwise,” the statement read.

    Read Also: Atiku, Obi, el-Rufai bewildered

    The party emphasised that while SDP remains part of a coalition at the national level, any individual or group wishing to join ADC must go through due process, starting with registration at the ward level. It dismissed any claim of a wholesale “collapse of structures” as having no legal or political effect.

    Reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and coalition-building, the ADC maintained that its doors are open to genuine political partners across parties, but “cannot be forced open by political opportunism, deceit, or backdoor proclamations.”

    The statement concluded with a call on the public and media to disregard what it described as “false claims being peddled by Mr. Darius Kurah and his sponsors,” assuring that ADC structures across Kaduna’s 23 local governments remain intact, united, and committed to offering a people-driven alternative.

  • Seized N30m for party agents, not vote buying, says Kaduna PDP

    Seized N30m for party agents, not vote buying, says Kaduna PDP

    The Kaduna chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defended its member, Shehu Aliyu Pantagi, arrested by security operatives with N30 million cash, insisting the money was meant strictly for election logistics and party agents, and not vote buying.

    Addressing reporters in Kaduna on Saturday, Kaduna PDP chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, described the allegation of vote buying as “false, malicious, and politically motivated.,” maintaining that the seized funds were intended to facilitate the work of PDP agents and officials during the by-elections across the state.

    According to him, every party mobilises agents, supervisors and collation officers during elections, and such structures require funding. 

    He noted that with over 5,000 PDP agents deployed across the constituencies, the seized N30m amounted to little more than stipends for their welfare.

    According to him: “Let me make it clear: that money was for election logistics. We have 169 wards, and if you multiply the number of agents, supervisors, and collation officers by their allowances, you will arrive at well over N30m. That is the reality. To now turn around and say it was for vote buying is mischievous and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians.”

    Masha lamented the party has been the target of harassment by security agencies working, in his words, “at the behest of the Kaduna State government.” 

    He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of weaponising state institutions to intimidate the opposition.

    He recalled that only a day earlier, security operatives raided the campaign council office of the PDP candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, and whisked away several party officials, including the state publicity secretary, zonal chairman, youth leader, women leaders, and over 18 others.

    The PDP boss said the spate of arrests and seizures showed desperation on the part of the APC, which, according to him, is jittery about losing the by-elections. He stressed that no amount of intimidation would deter the PDP from participating fully in the polls.

    “If the APC is confident of its performance, it should go to the field and let the people decide. Resorting to Gestapo tactics and propaganda only shows they are scared of defeat,” he declared.

    Read Also: Christmas: Former Kaduna PDP guber candidate felicitates with Christians

    Masha urged security agencies to remain neutral and professional, warning that compromising their role could endanger the integrity of the electoral process and peace in Kaduna State.

    He also appealed to PDP supporters to remain calm and resolute, assuring them that the party will pursue justice through all legal and constitutional means.

    “We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silenced. Our responsibility is to ensure that democracy thrives in Kaduna State. We call on our members and supporters to stay strong, vote their conscience, and reject every attempt to manipulate the process,” he added.

    The PDP chairman further called on civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to beam their searchlight on Kaduna’s by-elections, warning that democracy in the state was “under serious threat.”

  • By-elections: Police warn against violence in Kaduna

    By-elections: Police warn against violence in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State has warmed against violence, vowing to deal decisively with any trouble maker during and after Saturday’s bye-elections in Kaduna State.

    The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, gave the warning in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Hassan said , “The Command has warned the members of the public to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the  bye-elections.

    “The command has received credible intelligence that some politicians and their supporters are plotting to disrupt the electoral process and cause crises.

    Read Also: PDP alleges abduction of House of Reps candidate, 25 supporters in Kaduna

    “The Police command warns that anyone engaging in violence, intimidation, vote-buying, thuggery, or disruption will be arrested and prosecuted.”

    He said  the command has made security arrangements in collaboration with other sister security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

    ” The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad  Rabiu urges all political actors, party loyalists, and their supporters to conduct themselves responsibly and desist from acts capable of causing unrest.

    ” The command assures law-abiding citizens of adequate security to protect them and ensure a credible electoral process, “Hassan said.

    He said the command was committed to maintaining law and order during the by-elections.

    Hassan urged the public to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure a peaceful and successful electoral process.

    (NAN)

  • Kaduna begins full reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    Kaduna begins full reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium

    The Kaduna State Government has begun full-scale reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) to upgrade it to international standards, following its formal takeover from the Federal Government.

    During an inspection of the facility on Tuesday, Commissioner of Information-designate, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the 1964-built stadium had fallen into severe disrepair, making it unfit to host even national events, let alone continental or global competitions.

    “The vision of Governor Uba Sani is to deliver an international-standard stadium that will attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory, and create jobs for our youths,” Maiyaki said. He recalled that at its peak, Kaduna produced over half of Nigeria’s national football squad, including stars like Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal, due to the quality of facilities then available.

    Read Also: FG hands over Ahmadu Bello Stadium to Kaduna State

    Commissioner for Sports Development, Prof. Benjamin Kumai Gugong, said the renovation, provided for in the 2025 budget, would be executed in phases. The first phase covers the main bowl, two training pitches, a 48-room hostel, and courts for basketball, handball, beach football, and beach volleyball. “Once completed, ABS will meet FIFA and CAF hosting standards,” he assured.

    Commissioner for Youth, Gloria Ibrahim, described the project as a strategic investment in human capital, stressing that sports remain a major platform for wealth creation and talent discovery. “It’s better we endure for a short while and get a modern facility than continue managing the current one,” she said.

  • Kaduna approves fresh road projects across 23 LGAs, earmarks N3.5bn for compensation

    Kaduna approves fresh road projects across 23 LGAs, earmarks N3.5bn for compensation

    The Kaduna State Government has approved the launch of new road construction and rehabilitation projects across all 23 Local Government Areas, setting aside N3.5 billion in compensation for affected property owners and service providers.

    The decision was reached at the recent meeting of the State Executive Council, marking the start of the second phase of Governor Uba Sani’s rural transformation and urban renewal programme.

    Addressing journalists on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, said the compensation package is intended to facilitate the smooth implementation of the projects and avoid disputes over rights-of-way.

    Dr Ahmed noted that the newly approved roads were strategically selected to improve connectivity, ease access to markets and essential services, and build on the infrastructure groundwork laid during Governor Sani’s first two years in office.

    “These roads will impact every local government area. We’re not just constructing roads; we’re building links to opportunity, trade, and development,” he said. “Governor Uba Sani is determined to ensure that no community is left behind.”

    Read Also: Police in Kaduna discover explosive devices,  recover weapons, ammunition

    Key projects include the reconstruction of Rigasa Township Roads in Igabi LGA, Kwoi Township Roads in Jaba LGA, and a road linking the Kachia-Zonkwa Road to the new Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia LGA.

    Also approved are the completion of the long-abandoned dual carriage road from PENDrive through Television Garage to Sabon Tasha in Chikun LGA; the Bassawa Junction–Hunkiyi Junction road connecting Sabon Gari to Kudan LGAs; and the Kayarda Tasha–Maskawa–Dan Alhaji Road in Lere LGA.

    Dr Ahmed revealed that over 780 kilometres of roads have already been constructed or rehabilitated under the current administration, including several legacy projects initiated by past governors, including the late Patrick Yakowa.

    He described the latest approval as a “pivotal moment in Kaduna’s infrastructural journey,” adding that the government remains committed to timely execution and delivering full value for taxpayers’ money.

  • FG begins tour of Kaduna textile hubs to revive cotton, garment sector

    FG begins tour of Kaduna textile hubs to revive cotton, garment sector

    In a renewed effort to revitalise Nigeria’s cotton, textile, and garment (CTG) industry, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, has embarked on an inspection tour of key textile facilities in Kaduna State.

    The tour is part of the federal government’s industrial recovery plan under Agenda 7 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, which prioritises job creation, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable industrial development.

    According to a statement from the ministry, the government has held stakeholder engagements to address industry bottlenecks, encourage public-private partnerships, and collaborate with development agencies to strengthen policy frameworks and boost the sector’s export potential.

    Senator Enoh emphasised the significance of reviving the United Nigeria Textiles Limited (UNTL), saying its return to full operations would restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s textile heritage and ignite broader industrial transformation.

    He assured stakeholders of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to repositioning the CTG sector as a pillar of inclusive economic growth.

    During the visit, the Emir of Kano and Chairman of UNTL, His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, decried the shutdown of the once-thriving factory in 2022, citing economic difficulties despite its track record of employing over 10,000 people across the value chain.

    Read Also: Kaduna launches ‘First 1000 days of life initiative’, prioritises breastfeeding

    The Emir warned that the factory’s collapse has worsened youth unemployment and insecurity in the region.

    He urged the federal government to urgently tackle key challenges facing the sector, including: Inconsistent power supply; smuggling and dumping of foreign textiles; weak intellectual property protection; poor institutional support for local textile procurement, especially for military and paramilitary uniforms.

    The minister also toured Chellco Industries, one of the few resilient textile companies still operational since 1980.

    He praised the company’s management for its perseverance through decades of economic challenges, noting that Chellco currently employs over 290 workers and remains a vital contributor to the local economy.